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Post by Kraelen on May 4, 2005 12:39:05 GMT -8
Hi, I have 3 gerbils 1 of which I am having serious problems with. The problem is this: Over the past few days the gerbil has been staying in its little house and not coming out much I thought it was best to leave it and see if he changes. But yesterday I found him with blood all over his chin and feet, not quite sure what caused this as the other 2 are very friendly and wouldnt attack him. I presume he was nibbling his feet? When I saw the blood I instinctively picked him up to see what was wrong and found he had lost a lot of wieght. He was originally the fattest of the 3 and now is very thin, almost skin and bones. I checked him over and found his front 2 upper teeth were missing and his lower teeth seemed quite long. I immediatley took him to the vet to get help but all the vet did was shove a biro in its mouth and had a quick look said he couldnt see much and then gave him an antibiotic injection. He then told me to go back on friday (2 days time). I really dont think it will help especially as he cant eat. the gerbil now has both its eyes closed (wont open them even when moving around). It just sits almost where I place it and hardly moves. I would trim the 2 bottom teeth but I dont know how and worried i may do it wrong. I have resorted to mashing up some nuts and mixing them with water to try and feed him through a syringe. He accepts it few mins or so but still wont open his eyes. and when he moves around he stumbles and falls over  . I really dont know what to do. Can anyone help me! please! |
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Post by lizzy on May 4, 2005 13:26:24 GMT -8
Are you sure the other two wouldn't attack him? I had a similar problem with my hamsters. Sometimes they would be fine with each other but it became obvious when I found the other skinny and with blood all over his back that they had to be seperated.
I'd say seperate them anyway... even if the others aren't picking on him he might have something contagious in which case you don't want it spreading to your other two.
What size tank/cage are they in?
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Post by Kraelen on May 4, 2005 13:37:13 GMT -8
Hes in my pocket now (my jeans are very baggy) hes very cold and I dont know how else to keep him warm.. If the other two are attacking him I dont really want to leave him with them while I sleep. Is there any other way to keep him warm? I dont have any electric blankets unfortuneatly.
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Post by sandy on May 4, 2005 13:54:46 GMT -8
Yes, keep him warm and seperate him from the other guys. You can try a heating pad with a towel over it, under a different cage/tank.
It's also important that he get food and water. Obviously he can't chew or even pick up his own food, so you'll have to do it. Give him water by syringe then try some of these options by syringe:
1. undiluted canned soy baby formula (or try mixing it with gatorade)
2. mashed up, really watery oatmeal porridge mixed with soy milk/formula and gatorade
You will have to feed him very often until he perks up, a few drops every hour or so, or as much as he will take. He sounds dehydrated.
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Post by doomgerbiluk on May 4, 2005 14:12:33 GMT -8
yes also give him grapes or similar, high in water and the sugar may help a little
weak unsweetened porridge is great
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Post by AndreaS15 on May 4, 2005 19:54:57 GMT -8
If you have a hot water bottle you can place that on the side of the tank to warm the glass.
you can had feed him:
Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR)
Apple Sauce
Baby Food
and everything that was allready mentioned in the above posts.
I would also give him some kitten/cat food if/when he is able to chew solids.
Good luck, I hope he's getting better soon. <hugs>
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Post by Kraelen on May 5, 2005 5:25:16 GMT -8
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Post by Kraelen on May 5, 2005 6:40:59 GMT -8
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Post by Kraelen on May 5, 2005 6:43:49 GMT -8
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pixytwinkle
Member
Molly and Misty, my lovely gerbils.
Posts: 737
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Post by pixytwinkle on May 5, 2005 7:00:56 GMT -8
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Post by lpn1993 on May 5, 2005 7:47:17 GMT -8
I'm terribly sorry about your gerbil. It sure is heartbreaking to see such a thing. I understand how badly it hurts, because I lost a hamster in December under very similar circumstances. My heart goes out to you. |
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Post by lizzy on May 5, 2005 10:18:20 GMT -8
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Post by sandy on May 5, 2005 10:24:03 GMT -8
aw, such a sweet guy too.  |
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Post by gerbilsrgreat on May 5, 2005 15:05:30 GMT -8
:'(Oh, I'm so sorry! I just lost one of my gerbies about 3 weeks ago. I know it hurts, but you did your best. Hugs!
-Jeremiah
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Post by reallybes on Jun 7, 2005 7:23:17 GMT -8
poor little guy .. at least he's not in pain anymore
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. I really dont know what to do. Can anyone help me! please!
